Budget Macaroni and Cheese
Whip up a comforting classic without breaking the bank with this Budget Macaroni and Cheese recipe! Perfectly al dente elbow macaroni is coated in a luxuriously creamy homemade cheese sauce made with pantry staples like butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. With just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, this quick and easy recipe is a go-to for busy weeknights or satisfying a comfort food craving on a budget. A dash of garlic powder adds an optional flavor twist, while salt and black pepper round out the dish. Serve it steaming hot for a crowd-pleasing, family-friendly meal that’s big on flavor and light on expense. Budget-friendly, easy to make, and irresistibly cheesy—this dish has it all!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Milk
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons Garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light golden and bubbly.
Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, to ensure a smooth sauce. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, handful by handful, until it is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.
Serve immediately while hot. Garnish with a pinch of extra shredded cheese or chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
562 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.9 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.3 g | 91% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 88 mg | 29% | |
| Sodium | 699 mg | 30% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 53.1 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.9 g | ||
| Protein | 25.7 g | 51% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.6 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 556 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 232 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
